Kakegawa Kachoen's Idol! Shoebill Futaba

The photobook "Shoebill Futaba Complete FANBOOK" featuring Futaba, a shoebill living at Kakegawa Kacho-en, was released on July 1, 2026. This book comprehensively looks back at the 10 years from her arrival to the present, with precious photos capturing her growth, seasonal appearances, and interactions with zookeepers. Shoebills are known for their stillness, but this book is packed with dynamic scenes and expressive moments. It's a must-have for Futaba fans and shoebill enthusiasts alike.

"Shoebill Futaba Complete FANBOOK" (Author: Shunsuke Minamihaba, Editor: Kakegawa Kacho-en / Tatsumi Publishing)

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4777833666

Rakuten: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18596296/

The Hugely Popular "Monster Bird" Shoebill

The shoebill is a bird that inhabits the wetlands of eastern and central Africa, classified in the genus Balaeniceps of the family Scopidae in the order Pelecaniformes. Known as the "bird that doesn't move" because it can remain still for hours while ambushing and hunting fish, its prey. In Japan, they are kept at Kakegawa Kacho-en (Shizuoka Prefecture), Nasu Animal Kingdom (Tochigi Prefecture), Kobe Animal Kingdom (Hyogo Prefecture), Chiba City Zoological Park (Chiba Prefecture), Ueno Zoo (Tokyo), Kochi Prefectural Noichi Zoological Park (Kochi Prefecture), Matsue Vogel Park (Shimane Prefecture), and others.

Packed with Futaba's Expressions and Dynamic Poses Through the Seasons

With her sharp gaze, occasional dynamic movements, and slightly comical expressions, she has become increasingly popular, leading to the publication of books such as "All About Shoebills" (Kosaido Publishing), "Dancing Shoebill" (Live Publishing), "Shoebill Fudo PHOTO BOOK" (Kanzen), "Futaba the Shoebill ~With Friends at Kakegawa Kacho-en~", "Shoebills Bongo and Marimba", "Shoebill Calendar", and "Shoebill Planner" (Tatsumi Publishing).

Looking Back at Futaba's 10 Years with Precious Photos, from Her Arrival to the Present

Last year, pandas were returned one after another, and pandas disappeared from Japan for the first time in about half a century. Amidst the widespread "panda loss," the unique appearance of shoebills has become a hot topic on social media and video sites. This year, in April, Tokyo announced a new shoebill character, drawing attention to them as new popular figures. Due to their popularity, some are calling the shoebill the "NEXT Panda."

Includes a "Hairstyle Guide" for Futaba, the Inspiration for Her Name

Futaba arrived at Kakegawa Kacho-en in 2016 and has captivated many fans with her adorable appearance and unique demeanor. "Shoebill Futaba Complete FANBOOK" traces her 10-year journey with abundant photographs, from her arrival and growth process to her changing expressions throughout the seasons and her interactions with zookeepers. It also includes fan-submitted photos, congratulatory messages, and exclusive episodes and photos known only to the keepers. The content is rich, fully capturing Futaba's charm.

Detailed Introduction to Life and Keeping Environment at Kakegawa Kacho-en

Ask the Keepers! 10 Years of Futaba and Kakegawa Kacho-en Episodes

[Table of Contents]

Prologue

Futaba (Actual Size)

Manga "Futaba's 10th Year" by Keiichi Tanaka

Gravure: FUTABA PHOTOS

Want to Know More About Futaba

1. Futaba's Day

2. Futaba's Health Management

3. Futaba's Grooming

4. Futaba's Changes Over 10 Years

5. Hairstyle Evolution

Futaba's Crested Feathers Collection

Gorgeous Style / Neat Style / Windblown Style / Spiky Style

Funny Episodes with Futaba and Zookeepers

1. Futaba First

2. The Smelt Battle

3. A Happy Bow

4. Curious About Reactions

Questions for Futaba and Zookeepers

Futaba and Your Compatibility & "Oshi" Type Test

Everyone's Futaba Photo Gallery

10th Anniversary Congratulatory Messages from Futaba Fans

Futaba Coloring Page

Epilogue

[Book Information]

"Shoebill Futaba Complete FANBOOK"

Author: Shunsuke Minamihaba, Editor: Kakegawa Kacho-en

Price: ¥1,760 (¥1,600 + tax)

Size: A4 Variant

Release Date: July 1, 2026

Publisher: Tatsumi Publishing Co., Ltd.

▼Purchase Here

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4777833666

Rakuten: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18596296/

Available at Kakegawa Kacho-en, bookstores nationwide, and online retailers.

[Profiles]

Shunsuke Minamihaba (Author)

Born in Morioka City. Graphic designer & photographer. He has covered and photographed cats in Japan, including outdoor and signboard cats, as well as cats overseas. His books include "Sotoneko JAPAN" (Yosensha), "Waruneko Calendar" and "Waruneko Damono" (both Magazine Magazine), "Dancing Shoebill" (Live Publishing), "Futaba the Shoebill" and "Shoebills Bongo and Marimba" (Tatsumi Publishing), and "Shoebill Fudo PHOTO BOOK" (Kanzen). His planning and design work includes "Neko Kentei" (Cat Certification), "All About Shoebills", and "All About Gorillas" (all Kosaido Publishing). He posts shoebill images on Instagram.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoebill_mania

Kakegawa Kacho-en (Editor)

A year-round theme park where visitors can enjoy "interacting with birds and flowers." The park boasts a total area of 10 hectares, including a large greenhouse of 7,000 square meters, the largest in Japan. Here, you can encounter rare flowers and approximately 600 birds of 100 species, including shoebill Futaba, owls, penguins, and parrots.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kakegawa_kachouen/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kakegawakachoen

HP: https://k-hana-tori.com/

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 出版